Panasonic: 3D TV has passed 'laserdisc threshold '

Uptake significantly faster than that of HD TV

Japanese tech firm Panasonic has shipped two million 3D enabled televisions worldwide in just nine months, a figure it says moves 3D out of the geeks only market and into the mainstream.

"Within North America, the industry shipped some 2 million Full HD 3D enabled televisions after just nine months on the market," Panasonic's chief technology officer Eisuke Tsuyuzaki told TechRadar.

"This is a significant milestone. It means we have already surpassed what I call the laserdisc threshold. We have already taken 3D from geekdom to an early mass market."

Two million in nine months compares very favourably with the uptake for HD televisions.

"The industry sold less than half a million HD sets in five years," said Tsuyuzaki. "Consumers who have purchased home Full HD 3D are not just the early and affluent videophiles, but also young gamers and (surprisingly) young families.

"In our research we know that an equal number of male and females are actively involved in the purchase decision. 3D has to cater to all genders and demographics."

Whereas limited HD content is believed to have slowed early growth of HD televisions, 3D content is coming thick and fast, says Tsuyuzaki.

"Many of the big 3D Hollywood movies you've seen in theatres are now coming to PPV and VOD services, in addition to WWE and adult content," explained the exec.

He added: "It's similar to those early HD TV offerings, but at a much faster rollout. With 3D now a feature on affordable video camcorders and digital still cameras, as well as video games and YouTube, the format will stop being just an added entertainment value and become an integral part of our social lives."

Via MCV